Ranen Miao was elected president of the First Year Class Council Sept. 17.

The other officer-elects were: Jojo Spio as Vice President of Administration, Brock Mullen as VP of Finance, Jeff Liu as VP of Programming and Miri Goodman as VP of Public Relations.

Of the five available First Year Class Council (FYCC) positions, candidates ran unopposed for three positions with about 36% of the freshman class voting in the election. This turnout is up marks an increase from last year’s 29%.
Miao’s campaign platform was based upon three major goals: advocacy, representation and programming. Within these larger goals, Miao has more specific plans such as including free menstrual products in all bathrooms and residential areas on campus and promoting the Bear Patrol program.

“I’m really excited to be a voice for my classmates, and to amplify all of their different and amazing ideas for how we can make this year an amazing one,” Miao said.

Mullen similarly expressed his excitement in leading the freshman class.

“I chose to run because I’m excited to be able to represent the student body, and also I feel that I can bring some financial responsibility and money management skills to the table,” Mullen said.

Student Union President junior Tyrin Truong congratulated the winners and expressed his excitement for what the FYCC accomplishes during their term.

“I hope they embrace and lean into their role as the class of 2023’s official representatives to Student Union,” Truong said. “Based on the campaigns run this election, it will be interesting to see FYCC step out of strictly programming and into the advocacy space.”

Above all, Mullen stressed his hopes for the FYCC to create a community for the class of 2023.

“I’d like to see the First Year Class Council have some sort of event that really fosters community among the first year class—some sense of community that wasn’t already there,” Mullen said.